4 types of laryngeal cancer

The clinical manifestations vary depending on where the cancer occurs.

1. Supraglottic type: The primary site of laryngeal cancer is the epiglottis, ventricular zone, laryngeal ventricle, etc. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage. Because of the presence of a lump, there is only discomfort or foreign body sensation in the throat. When the cancer develops to the laryngopharynx, there is pain in the laryngopharynx, which can radiate to the ear on the same side. If it invades the pyriform sinus, it may affect swallowing. When the surface of the cancer ulcerates, there will be coughing and blood in the sputum with a foul odor. Hoarseness and difficulty breathing will only appear when the cancer invades the vocal cords downward. Because the area is rich in lymphatic vessels, the cancer is prone to metastasize to the lymph nodes located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery.

2. Glottic type: In the early stage, it often occurs in the front and middle 1/3 of the vocal cords, affecting the closure and pronunciation of the vocal cords. The symptom is hoarseness, which is sometimes mild and sometimes severe. As the mass grows, the hoarseness gradually worsens. If it grows further, it will block the glottis and cause breathing difficulties.

3. Subglottic type: cancer located below the vocal cords and above the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage. Due to its hidden location, there are no obvious symptoms in the early stage. When the tumor grows, breathing difficulties may occur. Tumor ulceration may cause coughing and blood in sputum. When the tumor invades the vocal cords, hoarseness may occur.

4. Check the neck and carefully observe whether the size of the larynx is normal. If the larynx is enlarged, it means that the cancer has invaded the outside of the larynx. Also pay attention to whether the space between the hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage is full. If so, the cancer may have invaded the space before the epiglottis. Then touch the neck to see if there are enlarged lymph nodes, and pay attention to their size, number, hardness and mobility.